Sound Input-Output Control Apparatus for Dynamic Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound input-output control systems for wireless earphones lack the ability to dynamically adjust operations based on the distance between multiple earpieces, leading to suboptimal sound output modes when used by the same or different users.
Innovation Solution
A sound input-output control apparatus that determines the distance between multiple independently mounted sound output devices and switches between stereo and monaural operation modes, using communication units for signal state acquisition and control, ensuring appropriate sound output based on user proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses a fixed operation mode for multiple sound output apparatuses, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different usage scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation mode switching based on detected distance between sound output apparatuses. The system automatically transitions between first operation (stereo mode) and second operation (monaural mode) depending on whether the distance is below or above a threshold, making the system adaptable without requiring complex manual configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting the distance between apparatuses and autonomously selecting the appropriate operation mode. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for user intervention in mode selection, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system automatically switches operation modes based on distance, then the adaptability improves, but the measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a threshold-based distance comparison rather than requiring precise continuous measurement. By determining only whether the distance is above or below a predetermined threshold, the system achieves sufficient adaptability without demanding high measurement precision, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and measurement precision requirements
3Ease of operation
If the system maintains fixed stereo operation mode, then the sound output quality is consistent, but the usability for different user scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on the physical scenario detected through distance measurement. When apparatuses are close together, it maintains reliable stereo operation; when separated beyond the threshold, it switches to monaural mode for continued usability, thus maintaining both reliability and ease of operation across different scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
A sound input-output control apparatus that can provide wider usage to a sound output apparatus are provided. The sound input-output control apparatus includes a distance determination unit configured to determine whether the distance between at least two of a plurality of sound output apparatuses each independently mounted on a user and configured to output sound toward the user is equal to or longer than a predetermined distance, and an operation control unit configured to control each of the sound output apparatuses to perform first operation when the distance between at least two of the plurality of sound output apparatuses is shorter than the predetermined distance, and control each of the sound output apparatuses to perform second operation when the distance between at least two of the plurality of sound output apparatuses is equal to or longer than the predetermined distance.